The orca researchers believe to be Tahlequah, or J35, has given birth, according to the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA).
Tahlequah gained national attention for carrying her dead calf for more than 1,000 miles for at least 17 days back in 2018. While experts have seen orcas mourn their offspring before, J35 clung to her calf for an unusually long period of time.
Tahlequah isn’t the only Southern Resident carrying a calf right now.
There are currently 73 Southern Resident orcas, which is among the lowest in 30 years, according to a census from the Center for Whale Research.
A big factor in the declining Southern Resident population has been a lack of Chinook salmon, their main food source.
Read more: www.king5.com/...
22 авг 2024